2 Things you need to know about People Productivity

I wrote this for leaders in my previous secular work place, but the principals are certainly applicable to churches, non profits, & volunteer organizations.

1. People desire/need significance in their work

Why do volunteer firemen get up in the middle of the night to respond to fire calls? People will do some lousy, inconvenient, even potentially dangerous tasks if they see the significance in what they are being asked to do. Productivity will improve if you can help people get interested in some piece of their work. People need to feel connected to something worth doing & to be part of a community. I’m convinced that all work that is really necessary work is significant.

 

It is important for a leader to remember to appreciate the work people do in some visible tangible way. It is also important to show how it connects with the big picture of the business. This is really one of the keys or secrets to success because it is the inspiration engine to achieve great results from people.

 

 

1. Match interest with opportunity

People tend to put a lot of effort & pride into the things they are interested in. You have a built in quality advantage to any task or project if you can assign someone who is interested in it. It is very likely they will invest discretionary time and effort towards that activity.

 

You have to get to know your people fairly well to be able to determine this, but it is usually a great situation for both of you. I have seen very average performers really excel at that special thing they are interested in.

 

I would suggest that there are a large number of tasks or projects that people will put their hearts into if asked.